Real Madrid president Florentino Perez believes former midfielder Zinedine Zidane will definitely "help shape improvements to the squad" next season - possibly as assistant to the new head coach.

The capital club have spent the past few weeks pondering who will replace Jose Mourinho following the Portuguese's departure for Chelsea after three years in the Bernabeu hotseat.

Paris St Germain's Carlo Ancelotti has emerged as the favourite to land the role, though the French champions have made it clear they expect the Italian to honour the final year of his contract.

Perez revealed last week that Zidane, who has remained with Real in various roles since hanging up his boots in 2006, was considering turning his hand to coaching, and last night appeared certain the Frenchman would have a part to play in the club's fortunes next term - albeit not as head coach.

"At this point we need a coach who really knows us, and the Italian Carlo Ancelotti knows us because four years ago I tried to sign him and couldn't," Perez told Spanish radio station EsRadio.

"If PSG will let him go, we are happy - and if not, (that's fine) too. But I think this issue will not last for much longer."

On 1998 World Cup winner Zidane, he continued: "What is certain is that Zidane wants to be a coach (but) I think you should not start directly with the Real Madrid first team.

"He himself does not want that. It could be that he serves as (Aitor) Karanka did for Mourinho (as assistant), or he could train one of the youth sides, but above all he's going to help us shape improvements to the squad for next season."

As for possible signings, Perez was not naming names but vowed to do all in his power to strengthen the squad for 2013/14 after Barcelona regained the Primera Division title last term.

"Anything that improves us, we will, but we do not have any players for sale," he said.

"It's early June. There is plenty of time. Now have to sort the subject of the coach and then we'll talk about players.

"With me, people don't have to worry. If there is a great player, everyone knows I will try to sign him."

ood grief. Someone guessed that the form English player at the moment might be in his national side with some other players? And that's espionage? Now if they discovered that Emile Heskey was going to be in the starting line up.... at right back.... THAT would be espionage. Give it a rest Roy.